1014solar - solar in the home

Solar panels can boost a home's energy rating and make it more attractive for resale.

Chesterton's Margaret Shinn

Chesterton's Margaret Shinn played No. 1 doubles in the regular season and No. 3 singles in the postseason as a junior.

061012_BBH_3A_STATE_CHAMP Baseball Il state championship

Marian Catholic pours gatorade on head coach Phil Wail following its Class 3A state championship in June.

04101BALLET Indiana Ballet theatre

Together, We Do Good Things

Several food vendors sell their fair cuisine at the Lake County Fair in Crown Point, Sunday, Aug 5, 2012.

S'ville attracting new homes, businesses

Schererville officials participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking last August for the new community center at Scherwood Park. The new building could open as soon as this spring.

Top-tier entertainment a bargain across NWI

The Northwest Indiana Symphony orchestra performs a free concert at the park grounds in Cedar Lake July 21.

Top-tier entertainment a bargain across NWI

Conductor Kirk Muspratt leads the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra in a free concert at the park grounds in Cedar Lake in July.

091612CPWALK heart walk

People release their balloons before the American Heart Association's Heart walk at the Lake County Fair Grounds in Crown Point.

SCHEPELAGAIN dealer of the year award

Schepel Buick-GMC vice president Tom VanProoyen praises his employees after Rich Schepel Buick and GMC dealership in Merrillville received the Dealer of the Year Award earlier this year, marking the dealership as one of top in the country.

091012DISCGOLF disc golf

Hidden Lake Park

Hobart at Lowell

Lowell's Edward Simmons returns the punt Friday against Hobart in Lowell's homecoming game.

Hobart at Lowell

Hobart quarterback Andrew Barras hands off the ball Friday to Alex Metz at Lowell.

Hobart at Lowell

Lowell's Mitchell Leckrone tries to intercept an endzone pass to Hobart's Elijah Walker in Lowell's homecoming game Friday night.

Hobart at Lowell

Hobart kicker Aaron Del Grosso goes for the point-after attempt in Lowell's homecoming game.

Hobart at Lowell

Lowell's George Fields runs the ball Friday against Hobart in Lowell.

Hobart at Lowell

Hobart's Alex Metz is tackled at in Lowell's homecoming game.

Hobart at Lowell

Hobart's Alex Metz runs the ball in Lowell's homecoming game Friday night.

Calumet College celebrates new addition

Dennis Rittenmeyer and his wife, Leslie, listen Thursday as Larry Meyers helps dedicate new facilities at Calumet College of St. Joseph. The college's new athletic center was named in honor of the Rittenmeyers.

Calumet College celebrates new addition

Bishop Dale Melczek blesses the new facilities Thursday at Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Calumet College celebrates new addition

Dennis Rittenmeyer speaks Thursday at a ceremony dedicating new facilities at Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Glass ceiling broken, not shattered

Janet Venecz sits on the Hammond City Council during a Sept. 10 meeting a City Hall.

Walkers put their hearts into fundraising event in C.P.

People participate Saturday in the Heart Walk at the Lake County Fairgrounds. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate this year in Heart Walks in Crown Point and Chesterton to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Walkers put their hearts into fundraising event in C.P.

People release balloons Saturday before the American Heart Association's Heart Walk at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. The event featured one-, two- and three-mile routes and a health festival with food, games, giveaways and entertainment. The Porter County Heart Walk is set for …

Celebrating the arts

The Choralteens, the Merrillville High School choir, performs Saturday during the Merrillville Art Festival at City Hall.

Celebrating the arts

Triston Taylor, 5 of Merrillville, paints a picture during the Merrillville Art Festival at City Hall.

Celebrating the arts

Kyla Robinson, 7 of Merrillville, paints a picture Saturday at the Merrillville Art Festival at City Hall.

Michigan City at Merrillville football game

Michigan City's Donovan Wilson is tackled Friday after receiving the ball against Merrillville.

Michigan City at Merrillville football game

Michigan City's Ryan Washington breaks through the Merrillville's defense Friday at Merrillville.

Logan Kaletha

Michigan City's Logan Kaletha runs the ball against Merrillville on Friday.

Logan Kaletha

Michigan City's Logan Kaletha runs the ball in a against Merrillville on Friday.

Lakeshore Professional Women's Conference

Senior Vice President and chief information officer of NiSource Violet Sistovaris speaks at the Lakeshore Professional Women's Conference at the Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville on Friday.

Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaners marks 100 years

Ken Jones puts a worm on a hook while fishing Fancher lake during the Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaner's 100th anniversary picnic at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The Lowell-based organization celebrated its centennial with an old-fashioned picnic.

Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaners marks 100 years

Jim and Vicky Nichols prepare carve a pork roast Sunday during the Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaner's 100th anniversary picnic at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. Events included a Fishing Fest, potluck meal, bingo and old-fashioned games for all. The Hawthorne Arbor is a benevolent ass…

Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaners marks 100 years

Ron Singleton, left, and Guy Carlson fish Fancher Lake during the Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaner's 100th anniversary picnic Sunday at the Lake County Fairgrounds. A tractor and wagon transported fishing enthusiasts from the pavilion to the lake, and volunteers helped children bait their hooks an…

Disc golfers compete in tournament at M'ville park

Caleb Baker competes in a disc golf tournament Sunday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

Disc golfers compete in tournament at M'ville park

Bags containing discs hang on a sign Sunday at a new disc golf course at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

Disc golfers compete in tournament at M'ville park

Zach Goralczyk competes in a disc golf tournament Sunday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

Walk for Lupus Now raises awareness, funds

Hundreds participate in the Walk for Lupus Now of Northwest Indiana on Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Walk for Lupus Now raises awareness, funds

Hundreds participate in the Walk for Lupus Now of Northwest Indiana held Saturday in Crown Point.

Faithful rally to denounce pornography

People from St Matthias Catholic Church in Crown Point, along with members of other Catholic parishes and of the Sikh Temple in Merrillville, hold a Defend Human Dignity rally Saturday on the steps of the old courthouse in Crown Point.

Faithful rally to denounce pornography

People from St Matthias Catholic Church in Crown Point, along with members of other Catholic parishes and of the Sikh Temple in Merrillville, hold a Defend Human Dignity rally against pornography Saturday on the steps of the old courthouse in Crown Point.

Faithful rally to denounce pornography

Deacon Bob Angelich, of St. Matthias Catholic Church in Crown Point, leads people in a Defend Human Dignity rally against pornography Saturday on the steps of the old courthouse in Crown Point.

Walk for Lupus Now raises awareness, funds

Balloons are released to commemorate those who lost their lives at the start of the Walk for Lupus Now of Northwest Indiana held Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.